The Election Commission has barred Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his cabinet colleague from holding discussion with officials of various departments through video conferencing till the elections are over.

A direction to this effect was issued by Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh Umesh Sinha.

"During the Model Code of Conduct, no video-conference would take place between the Chief Minister, ministers and political functionaries with the officials," the notice issued by Sinha said, while referring to a direction of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in this regard.

Sinha has asked all the district election officials to ensure that no such meeting is held through video-conference.

In a notification last week, the Election Commission had said that such video conferencing will be permitted only in case of a natural calamity. It had also said that before organising such meetings, approval of Chief Electoral Officer should be obtained.